England v Macedonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group E
5pm, Sat 7 October 2006
Old Trafford, Manchester
Croatia v England
UEFA European Championship Qualifying Group E
6pm (BST), Wed 11 October 2006
Maksimir, Zagreb
England Head Coach Steve McClaren has called up Scott Parker and Wayne Rooney for the Euro 2008 Qualifiers with Macedonia and Croatia.
Newcastle skipper Parker has been in excellent form for his club and is a straight replacement for Owen Hargreaves who is recovering from a broken leg. Parker, whose debut came in the 3-2 defeat to Denmark at Old Trafford on 16 November 2003, will be hoping to win his third cap.
McClaren revealed why he had called on the 25-year-old: "Scott is captain at Newcastle, he's having a very good run in the team, he's playing well and he is a leader. He is a player who epitomises what we are all about - team ethic and a winning attitude.
"I spoke to Scott today. He was thrilled and delighted to have the opportunity. I'm looking forward to meeting up with him and the rest of the squad on Tuesday for two very big games for England."
Manchester United forward Rooney returns to the squad having completed a three-game ban for his sending-off during England's World Cup clash Portugal, which the Three Lions lost on penalties. The mercurial 20 year old replaces Darren Bent, who has been named in the England Under-21 squad to face Germany in a crucial Euro 2008 play-off.
Also returning to the squad are Gary Neville, who comes in for Luke Young, Jamie Carragher and the fit again Ledley King. Missing out are Aaron Lennon, who is suffering with a knee injury, and Michael Dawson.
With victories over Greece, Andorra and Macedonia in August and September, McClaren will be looking to secure maximum points from the upcoming two games - the last competitive matches England will play this year.England found Macedonia tricky opponents when the they travelled to Skopje earlier in September and needed a Peter Crouch volley - his 11th goal in 14 games - to seal the three points.
However, The Three Lions will be favourites to complete the double over the Eastern European side when they line-up at Old Trafford on 7 October - a game which is expected to be sold out.McClaren's men then travel to Croatia for their fourth Group E Qualifier.
The two teams last met during Euro 2004 where England ran out 4-2 winners in Lisbon. A rampant Rooney scored twice to send England on their way, while Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard also found the net.England will be hoping for a similar result in Zagreb.